On December 12, Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD) staff donated $835 in various gift cards to students-in-need at Cordova High School. In partnership with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, CRPD continued a tradition of holiday donations, reflecting a fierce commitment to their mission to serve community needs.
CRPD’s General Manager Patrick Larkin, Human Resource Manager Andrea White and Office Manager Sharday White met with Principal Jerad Hyden and Counselor Mark Levy to drop off the holiday gifts. Each homeless student will receive an envelope with gift cards to restaurants, clothing stores and/or entertainment centers, and a hand-written note from a CRPD staff member.
Cordova High School’s Principal Jerad Hyden wrote a letter to Mayor of Rancho Cordova Robert McGarvey, acknowledging CRPD for their efforts. “We are truly speechless… to think of the combined efforts in raising this amount of money for our most vulnerable students is a task worthy of the highest level of praise,” Jerad said. “The remarkable caveat, this money was raised internally, that is to say, it was completely donated by the wonderful staff of CRPD!”
“A huge thank you to Patrick and his staff for making a difference in the lives of students who often have very little to look forward to and be thankful for given this time of the year. Our dedicated CHS Counselors have devised a plan to ensure this gift is in the hands of each of our students before winter break,” Jerad wrote.
CRPD staff members were thrilled about this opportunity and jumped at the chance to give back. “I was so excited about this decision to focus on high school students this year.” Recreation Supervisor Nina Sinor said. “I wanted to do so much more than just the gift cards because these kids are our neighbors. But to be able to provide such an impressionable age group with positivity and something that says, “we care about you because you’re in our community,” it just warms your heart. I hope we can continue to do this every year,” Nina said.
New to the District, Park Services Supervisor II, Tammy Rominger, felt the need to give, recalling the high school years as a challenging time of transition. “I was lucky to have a home during this vital time of transitioning to adulthood, so my hope was that this gesture would not only provide them with a necessity, but also let them know that we care,” Tammy said. “Teenagers have the desire to be independent and these gift cards can help provide a sense of pride and responsibility. I want the gift to be encouraging so that one day when they are successful, they’ll remember this moment, and give back too,” Tammy said.
CRPD staff wishes all a joyous holiday and Happy New Year!